Associate Director, Energy Transition, London, Brussels or Berlin (1yr Maternity Cover)

E3G is looking for an experienced leader and manager to take its Energy Transition programme through 2026.

As a recognised global leader in diplomacy, geopolitics and transition design, E3G’s 20 strong energy transition programme aims to make the energy transition mainstream by speaking to the highest political level. The Energy Transition programme identifies frontier issues at the intersection of energy and leaders level politics (geopolitics, security, macro, energy poverty) and builds broad coalitions to make the case and support delivery. Our energy team based across UK, Belgium and Germany holds significant in‑country, EU and international expertise and knowledge and works with E3G's cross‑country expertise and networks for greater impact. We have a track record of impact on decarbonising buildings, power systems and transitioning away from oil and gas. We run or are embedded in various inter‑government coalitions or business and civil society networks.

This position will be based in an E3G office in London, UK, Berlin, Germany or Brussels, Belgium where our team members are based.

E3G is an independent think tank working globally to achieve a safe climate for all and is consistently ranked among the world’s most influential environmental think tanks. E3G has a strong track record of over 15 years of delivering innovative diplomatic, policy and institutional changes at national and international level and is rapidly growing its international work across a range of subject areas and venues. In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical rivalries climate change has come of age as a “top table” issue. Still the largest contributor to climate change, transforming the energy sector remains fundamental to success in addressing the climate crisis. While there have been major breakthroughs in the delivery of renewables, major challenges remain. These include the need to build out networks to absorb renewables and deliver the demand for electric heating and mobility; the social transition needed as the transition reaches how people warm and cool homes and workplaces, and how they move around; the ability of developing countries to “leapfrog” the fossil energy and go direct to clean; the macro‑economic implications of weaning the world economy of oil and gas. As well as being complex technical discussions – they are the stuff of high politics, coming to a head in multilateral spaces such as G20, trade and security negotiations and the deliberations of the IEA.

E3G undertakes analysis, develops practical policy and institutional proposals. It convenes track 1.5 and 2 dialogues on multiple issues related to energy transition and is a regular advisor to governments and international institutions on political analysis, strategy and diplomatic priorities. In 2026, E3G will be entering a new 5 year organisational strategy cycle, refreshing, aligning and adapting all strategies and ways of working for impact in a changing world as well as strengthening its capacity to deliver with a diversified and resilient funding base. E3G is seeking a senior leader who is keen to take on the leadership of this team throughout a period of organisational transformation and of high‑profile delivery objectives. This role is part of E3G’s Senior Management Team.

Profile & role requirements

• You will bring a strong track record in relevant leadership and management positions and strong aptitude, fit and interest to step up and lead our high performing teams through this critical juncture with particular emphasis on the following areas:
• Strategy and development – programme design and development, fundraising from philanthropic and or government sources including preparing large scale multiyear bids, engaging funder network and cultivating relationships and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Leadership and team management – bringing the petal together to foster cohesion, building and supporting high performing teams, coaching & supporting programme leaders of the global, EU, UK and research energy transition teams, enabling strategic alignment and collaboration in an agile and matrixed organisation and with partners. Experience working with teams through internal and external changes would be valuable.
• Portfolio management experience – direct and oversee portfolio of programmes and budgets in coordination with programme leaders and central programme support team to monitor and manage petal finances, programme delivery and manage risk.
• Collaborative, facilitative and agile – ability to understand and engage with colleagues to facilitate effective collaboration and integrate across areas, identify opportunities for strategic alignment and agile working across teams and geographies, and where required facilitate effective dispute resolution.

Desirable

• Senior management experience – ability to operate at senior management level including participation in senior management team meetings and relevant sub‑groups and in key organisational processes, policy and practices including planning and reporting cycle. Previous SMT level experience is not a requirement for this position.
• Organisational awareness – ability to quickly grasp E3G USP/approach as well as missions of other petals.
• Track record in mission driven context – including ideally at least one key E3G modality including political analysis, influencing, diplomacy and coalition building – experience working in political influencing (directly and with our network of senior experts), providing a challenge function to team over highest impact influencing paths and ideas generation to deepen impact and learning on medium‑/long term strategy.
• Energy expertise – knowledge base in key energy sector dynamics, transition challenges and key stakeholder interests. Networks in the energy and climate politics world.

What we offer

• 1 year full‑time or part‑time position.
• Work‑life balance, a 35‑hour workweek with a hybrid work model and flexitime.
• Additional pension contribution equivalent to 7.5% of gross annual salary.
• 25 vacation days + additional leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Annual progression and remuneration review opportunities.
• Other benefits depend on location.

E3G offers a reward and benefits package which compares well with other organisations within our sector. The indicative gross monthly salary range for this position in London: £80,000 - £90,000, Berlin: €85,000 to €95,000, Brussels: €89,000 to €99,000 FTE, dependent on experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate. E3G is unable to provide relocation assistance to candidates who would need to change locations in order to take up this position. E3G will require candidates to demonstrate that they have the right to live and work in the chosen location.

Your Application

Please submit your application in English. Please include:

• A CV of maximum two pages.
• A cover letter of maximum one page outlining why you are applying for this role and when you would be able to start work.

The selection process for this position is expected to involve one interview in early January 2026, with a preferred start date of February 2026. The deadline for applications is Monday, 5 January 2026 at 12 GMT. We will aim to respond to applicants in this process within 2 weeks of the closing date.

E3G values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background. We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.